Udupi: There was a picketing (obstruction) by some activists of Raith Sangha (Udupi dt.) today when a meeting was in progress between Pejawar Muth Swami Vishwesha Tirtha, having discussions with officials of Udupi Power Corporation Ltd. (UPCL) for a solution to the “Fly-ash in atmosphere” problem at Y.K.Ranga Office hall. The Swamy had asked UPCL close down today, unless the Fly-ash pollution is taken care of by the power producing industry. But the local Raitha Sangha Chief Vijay Hegde did not want Swamiji’s “brokerage” on the issue, and did not attend the negotiations in spite of being invited to take part in the talks.
Swamiji had visited UPCL power plant on Feb26 and given an ultimatum for closure from Thursday last. But the plant was functioning as usual even on Friday. This was what angered Raitha Sangha volunteers to accuse Swamiji of having “hidden-agenda” behind the present talks.
But the police arrived on time, to control the tense situation. Swamiji denied he had any hidden agenda, in his earlier talks with Raitha Sangha leaders.
The activists later moved to taluk office to meet the Tahsildar and told him about UPCL spokesman Kishore Alva’s report, to misguide farmers. Tahsildar stated that he had not issued any environmental report clearing UPCL so far. The local Tahsildar said he would move the court against UPCL authorities, to show cause for lapses done.
Members of various GPs under whose jurisdiction UPCL power plant is now located, were present with Raitha Sangha activists, on this occasion of meeting the Tahsildar.